Concern for graduates as Yorkshire job market rated ‘very poor’

Something to smile about? - Graduating students are suffering from a distinct lack of prospects.
Something to smile about? – Graduating students are suffering from a distinct lack of prospects.

There are growing concerns for Yorkshire’s graduates as the region’s job market has been rated as ‘poor or very poor’ in a survey launched in Westminster today.

The report, run by Gradcore, gauged the views of around 1500 graduates who either attended a Yorkshire university or are now living or working in the region. Results showed that not only are graduates in Yorkshire earning less than others around the country but that there is also a ‘worrying’ decline in the number of people on internships, with only 3% of respondents taking part in one this year.

However, perhaps the biggest concern raised by the survey is the perception of the Yorkshire graduate labour market, with more than 60 per cent of the respondents rating it as poor or very poor.

Only 12% of Yorkshire-based correspondents laid claim to earning more than £25,000, which is 10% less than new graduates working outside of the county. Shockingly, three years after graduation, this figure only rises to 17%.

Gradcore’s Chief Executive, Martin Edmondson, said: “The voice of graduates in this survey suggests that many are keen to stay and make their mark in the region, but that they find it hard to do so, which is a challenge to all of us who believe that graduates effectively used can drive growth in businesses and the economy.”

However, students are urged not to worry too much as the report highlights that figures found in the survey may be skewed by London graduate salaries, which are higher than in the rest of the country. On top of this, 25% of students with a first class degree are noted to be entering the job market with a starting salary above the £25,000 mark.